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Best Campgrounds near Fort Calhoun, NE

475 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Fort Calhoun in eastern Nebraska include several established recreation areas along the Missouri River corridor. Wilson Island State Recreation Area, Hitchcock County Nature Center, and Lake Cunningham Campground provide a mix of tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, while several offer electrical hookups for RVs and larger vehicles.

Seasonal flooding has significantly impacted camping availability in recent years, particularly at sites close to the Missouri River. "Wilson Island State Recreation Area had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River," noted one visitor. Many campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, with Lake Cunningham Campground typically open from mid-April to mid-October and Wilson Island State Recreation Area operating from April through December. Water levels, weather conditions, and maintenance projects occasionally lead to temporary closures, so checking current status before planning a trip is essential. Concrete camping pads at some locations help manage wet conditions during rainy periods.

The area's campgrounds offer diverse recreational opportunities centered around water activities. Lake Cunningham provides non-motorized boating options with kayak and paddleboard rentals available. Several visitors highlight the well-maintained facilities as a key benefit. One camper described Lake Cunningham as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing, non-power boating - some for rent." Sites along the Missouri River provide fishing opportunities and access to wildlife viewing, especially at campgrounds adjacent to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Many locations feature hiking and biking trails, including a 10-mile paved path around Lake Cunningham. Despite their proximity to urban areas, these campgrounds offer a sense of separation from city life while maintaining convenient access to services.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska (99)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    "The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."

    2. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (531) 201-5754

    $15 - $40 / night

    "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."

    "Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"

    3. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fort Calhoun, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2069

    $15 - $23 / night

    "It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."

    "Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."

    4. Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground

    5 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    7 miles
    Website

    "Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."

    "Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."

    5. Missouri Valley City Park

    4 Reviews
    Missouri Valley, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2857

    "It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."

    "Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."

    6. Bob Hardy RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Blair, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 426-4191

    $18 - $25 / night

    7. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."

    "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"

    8. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 592-8877

    $20 / night

    "This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay."

    "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself)."

    9. River View Park Resort & Marina (PRIVATE)

    1 Review
    Blair, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 577-1049

    10. Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 366-0220

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."

    "Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Calhoun, NE

88 Photos of 99 Fort Calhoun Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Calhoun, NE

475 Reviews of 99 Fort Calhoun Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Overnight stay

    This campsite was everything we were needing for the night plus more. The people were very friendly.

  • Allison B.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pine Grove RV Park & Campground

    Fantastic campground in ideal location

    We have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can.  Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1. We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool.  The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can.  So. many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one.  

    We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets.  Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome.  Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it. It's worth it either way because we can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap.  

    Love this place!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 60 day trip with 42 moves. Super clean park and very well taken care of. I watched a youtube video that showed the park and it was like re-living a dream. Pulled in, stopped at office, John came in and helped me, asked me if I was a GoodSam member and charged me $43.34 for a full-hookup, super long pull thru. There were a lot of open spaces so the park felt very comfortable. Totally worth it.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    On-Ur-Wa RV Park

    Comforting

    Night 1 of a 42 moves trip. You can find a few decent youtube videos that show the park and it was like living a dream. Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees. I watch for that now after the top of a tree fell on power lines above my camper last year. Seemed pretty vacant but there were people here that looked like travelers. Very comfortable.

  • Stacy D.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Perfect little campground

    Czechland is a gem with 11 campsites walk-up only for $20 a night with 30/50 amp. Pay with your phone with QR code scan to pay so no need to have cash or check. There is a water fill and lake to kayak and use non-motorized boats.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Simple Overnight Stay

    Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained.

Guide to Fort Calhoun

Camping near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From spacious campgrounds to fun activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Nice walking trails and facilities. Lots to do for the entire family.”
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddle boating and swimming at Platte River State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “We went paddle boating, swimming, and horseback riding.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Spot deer and other wildlife at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. One camper noted, “We saw a couple of white-tailed deer wandering through in the early morning hours.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Camp A Way Campground stated, “Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer fun for kids. A visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday said, “Looked like a lot to do for the kids.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Louisville State Recreation Area. One reviewer mentioned, “The area is well kept. There are several rings you can camp on RV/Tent.”

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area warned, “With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful.”
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A visitor at Louisville State Recreation Area noted, “This is one of my top 3 for mosquitoes. Those things are relentless.”
  • Fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area mentioned, “Charging out of state people double for a daily pass seems a little unfriendly.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids to enjoy. A camper at Platte River State Park Campground said, “The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!”
  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A review for Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground mentioned, “The list of activities seemed great.”
  • Pack Snacks: Bring snacks and drinks for the kids. A visitor at Camp A Way Campground appreciated the “good internet” and “very helpful staff,” making it easy to stay connected.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday noted, “The pull-through sites seem to be all gravel/stone.”
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Camp A Way Campground mentioned, “Very nice campground. Kiddo's friendly.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose sites away from highways or busy areas. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area shared, “Music was played at all hours by people without any recourse.”

Camping near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is River Bend Campground located in Fort Calhoun?

River Bend Campground appears to be located near Fort Calhoun, which is in eastern Nebraska along the Missouri River. For similar riverside camping in the area, consider Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground which is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near the Missouri River. Though technically in Iowa, it's very close to Fort Calhoun. Another option is River View Park Resort & Marina near Blair, just a short drive from Fort Calhoun.

What amenities are available at River Bend Campground in Fort Calhoun?

While specific information about River Bend Campground is limited, nearby campgrounds offer similar amenities you might expect. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground features extensive facilities including an aquatic center, zip lines, horseback riding, and various accommodation options. For RV camping, Pine Grove RV Park & Campground provides clean facilities in a quiet setting, making it suitable for overnight or short stays. Typical riverside campgrounds in this region generally offer basic amenities like picnic areas, fire rings, and access to water recreation.

How do I make reservations at River Bend Campground in Fort Calhoun?

For campground reservations in the Fort Calhoun area, most state parks and recreation areas use online reservation systems. Platte River State Park Campground offers reservable sites through Nebraska's state park reservation system. Similarly, West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday takes direct reservations through their website or phone system. For county-managed areas like many around Fort Calhoun, check with the Washington County Parks Department or call the campground directly for the most current reservation procedures and availability.

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